Nearly half (49%) of employers expect to reduce their permanent workforces in the coming year, according to an annual survey on the state of human resources by marketing specialists TNS NIPO and human capital management firm Raet, reports Flexnieuws.

The decline in permanent workforce numbers is expected to have a concurrent boost to flexible worker numbers. As controlling costs become increasing important for companies, ensuring workforce flexibility will become more imperative. Organisations are increasingly looking to hire temporary and contract workers who will make it easier to adjust to changes in the market place.

Recent figures from the Dutch Federation of Employment Agencies (ABU) revealed an improvement in the temporary market during its latest reporting period.   

The survey covered 573 companies working in sectors such as education, healthcare, government, and corporate business. Of the 573 organisations, 473 were Dutch and 100 international.